Protecting Access to Rental Accommodations

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is asking landlords to pay close attention to the human rights of prospective tenants.

Low vacancy rates and high demand for rental accommodations are creating a greater risk for discrimination against renters.

Discrimination can occur when someone is turned down or denied rental accommodation due to a protected characteristic such as age, race, sexual orientation, or family status.

It is illegal under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act to deny someone an apartment because they have children, for example.

While landlords may currently have the option to be selective among tenants due to high demand, they must be cautious not to discriminate or deny access unfairly.

The Commission encourages anyone who believes they have been wrongfully denied access to a rental to contact us directly.